Isaiah 31 - Good News Translation US 1992 (GNTD)

Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

1: The Strength of a Mother

Reading: Proverbs 31:25-31 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

The Bible honors mothers who are strong, wise, and diligent. A Proverbs 31 woman is described as clothed with strength and dignity, speaking with wisdom, and watching over her household with care. Her children rise to call her blessed, and her works bring her praise. This passage celebrates the nurturing spirit and resilience that define motherhood.

Reflection:
How can you embody strength and dignity in your journey as a mother or as a mentor to others? Pray for wisdom and grace to impact your family positively.

2: A Mother’s Faith

Reading: 2 Timothy 1:3-7 I am reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Timothy’s strong faith was nurtured by two remarkable women—his mother, Eunice, and his grandmother, Lois. Their sincere belief shaped his spiritual foundation, enabling him to become a respected leader. This story reminds us of the powerful influence that a mother’s faith can have on her children, passing down a legacy of devotion and integrity.

Reflection:
Think about the spiritual heritage you are creating for your children. Pray for your faith to be steadfast and inspiring, impacting future generations.

3: God’s Comfort Like a Mother’s Love

Reading: Isaiah 66:13 As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.

In a beautiful comparison, God promises to comfort His people just as a mother comforts her child. This image conveys warmth, safety, and reassurance. When life brings hardships, God’s nurturing presence surrounds us, reminding us that we are never alone. Mothers often reflect this aspect of God’s character, offering solace and encouragement through life’s challenges.

Reflection:
Have you experienced God’s comforting presence recently? Take a moment to thank Him for His unwavering love and pray for the ability to extend that same comfort to your family.

4: A Mother’s Prayer

Reading: 1 Samuel 1:9-20 And she made a vow, saying, “Lord Almighty, if you will only look on your servant’s misery and remember me, and not forget your servant but give her a son, then I will give him to the Lord for all the days of his life, and no razor will ever be used on his head.

Hannah’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of prayer and surrender. Despite her years of childlessness and ridicule, she poured out her heart to God. When God blessed her with Samuel, she faithfully kept her vow and dedicated him to the Lord’s service. Hannah’s faith teaches us that persistent prayer and trust can turn sorrow into joy.

Reflection:
What are you earnestly praying for as a mother? Bring your deepest desires to God, trusting Him to work in ways that surpass your understanding.

5: Waiting on God for a Child

Reading: Psalm 113:9 He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children. Praise the Lord.

This verse is a promise of hope to those longing for children: “He settles the childless woman in her home as a happy mother of children.” God sees the silent prayers of women waiting for the fruit of the womb, and His compassion reaches those who feel forgotten. Like Sarah, Hannah, and Elizabeth, many women in the Bible experienced long periods of waiting, but God’s timing brought joy.

Reflection:
If you or someone you know is waiting for a child, take comfort in God’s faithfulness. Pray for peace, strength, and hope, believing that God’s plans are good and His timing is perfect.

6: A Mother’s Legacy of Love

Reading: Ruth 1:16-18 Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.

Naomi’s relationship with Ruth exemplifies love and loyalty beyond blood relations. Ruth’s decision to stay with Naomi despite personal loss shows that family bonds can be forged through love, commitment, and shared faith. Naomi’s guidance and Ruth’s dedication eventually led to God’s blessing in their lives.

Reflection:
Consider the people God has placed in your life who feel like family. How can you nurture and support them with love and encouragement?

7: A Mother’s Blessing

Reading: Luke 1:46-55 For the Mighty One has done great things for me, holy is his name.

Mary’s song of praise reflects a mother’s joy and humble gratitude. Despite the uncertainties of her calling, she glorified God for choosing her to bear the Savior. Her willingness to embrace God’s plan, even when it seemed daunting, teaches us to rejoice in the blessings we receive while remaining faithful through challenges.

Reflection:
Take time to praise God for the gift of motherhood and the privilege of shaping lives. Pray for the grace to guide your children in love, faith, and wisdom.

1. Seek Strength in God’s Presence

“Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” – 1 Chronicles 16:11

Life can be tough, and sometimes you feel like you’re carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. But you don’t have to face it alone. God’s strength is always available—if you seek Him. Just like you check your phone for updates throughout the day, make seeking God your daily habit. His presence is where real strength comes from.

Question: What is one way you can remind yourself to seek God’s strength every day?

2. Strength to Keep Going

“He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength. Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:29-31

Even the strongest people get tired. No matter how fit, smart, or capable you are, life will wear you out at some point. But God offers a different kind of strength—one that doesn’t run out. When you trust in Him, He renews you, lifting you up like an eagle soaring in the sky. Instead of running on empty, you’ll have the energy to keep moving forward.

Question: When was a time you felt completely exhausted, and how did God help you keep going?

3. Strength and Peace Go Together

“May the LORD give strength to his people! May the LORD bless his people with peace!” – Psalm 29:11

Strength isn’t just about muscles or willpower—it’s also about having peace in your heart. Many people chase after strength in ways that leave them stressed and anxious. But God gives strength that comes with peace. When you rely on Him, you don’t just survive; you thrive with confidence and calmness.

Question: How does trusting God bring peace even in stressful situations?

4. Strength to Overcome Fear

“Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and will not be afraid; for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song, and he has become my salvation.” – Isaiah 12:2

Fear can paralyze you. It can stop you from chasing your dreams, standing up for what’s right, or even believing in yourself. But when you know that God is your strength, fear loses its grip. Instead of being controlled by what-ifs and doubts, you can step forward with courage, knowing that God is with you.

Question: What fear do you need to give to God today, trusting that He is your strength?

5. Courage Comes from God

“Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” – Psalm 31:24

Sometimes, being strong means holding on when you feel like letting go. It means trusting God when you don’t see the answers yet. Strength isn’t about having everything figured out—it’s about trusting that God does. So take heart! The waiting season isn’t wasted; it’s where God builds your faith.

Question: What is something you are waiting on God for, and how can you stay encouraged in the process?

6. Strength from the Inside Out

“that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being” – Ephesians 3:16

Real strength isn’t just about what people see on the outside—it starts in your heart. God doesn’t just give you physical strength; He fills your soul with power through His Spirit. When life feels overwhelming, His Spirit gives you the strength to stand firm, love deeply, and keep going even when it’s hard.

Question: How can you rely more on God’s Spirit for strength in your daily life?

7. God’s Spirit, Not Your Own Strength

“Then he said to me, ‘This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of hosts.'” – Zechariah 4:6

The world tells you to hustle, grind, and rely on your own strength to succeed. But God says that true victory comes through His Spirit. No matter how smart, strong, or talented you are, it’s God who opens doors, gives wisdom, and makes the impossible possible. Stop trying to do it all on your own—let His Spirit lead the way.

Question: Where in your life do you need to stop relying on your own strength and start trusting in God’s Spirit?

Final Thought

Life throws challenges at you, but you don’t have to face them alone. God’s strength is available for you every single day. Which of these verses speaks to you the most? Take time to reflect, pray, and walk in His strength!

Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!

As we step into a brand-new year, it’s easy to get caught up in the “New Year, New Me” vibe. Social media is buzzing with resolutions, glow-ups, and vision boards. But let’s pause for a second, what if a fresh start isn’t just about what we do but about what God is doing in us?

1. A Promise of Renewal

The Bible is full of stories where God hits the reset button. Think about Noah. After the flood, God gave humanity a second chance. The rainbow became a symbol of His promise to never give up on us. Genesis 9:13 says, “I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” This covenant reminds us that no matter how overwhelming life gets, God is always faithful to renew His relationship with us. He’s not just a God of second chances but of endless chances, each wrapped in His love and grace.

2. Grace for the Israelites

The Israelites messed up countless times, yet God’s grace led them into the Promised Land. His faithfulness shows us that no mistake is too big for a fresh start. Deuteronomy 31:8 reminds us, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Even in seasons of wandering and waiting, God was their guide and protector. This narrative is a powerful reminder that God’s presence remains constant, even when we lose our way.

3. Becoming a New Creation

Through Jesus, we’re not just given a clean slate, we’re made new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” This verse is a reminder that God’s transformation starts within. Being a new creation doesn’t mean life gets easier; it means we’re empowered by the Holy Spirit to live differently. It’s about leaving behind the labels and lies that once defined us and stepping boldly into the identity God has given us.

4. Letting Go of the Past

Sometimes life feels messy, and it’s hard to move forward. But God’s Word encourages us to release what’s behind. Isaiah 43:18-19 says, “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” God’s plans for us are always forward-focused. Letting go doesn’t mean pretending the pain or mistakes never happened. It means trusting God to use even our brokenness for His glory and to lead us into something better.

5. Daily Renewal Through Mercy

God’s mercies aren’t just for the start of the year, they’re new every single morning. Lamentations 3:22-23 proclaims, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” This means every day is a fresh start. No matter how badly yesterday went, today is a chance to start over with God’s compassion as our foundation. His love is unshakable, and His faithfulness is unending.

6. Bold Steps of Faith

A fresh start often requires bold moves, like stepping out in faith. Joshua 1:9 encourages us, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Trust that God’s got your back as you move forward. Taking bold steps can feel scary, but it’s often where we grow the most. It’s in these moments of uncertainty that we discover the depth of God’s strength and provision.

7. Trusting in His Plans

As we embrace a new year, we can find peace in knowing that God’s plans are always for our good. Jeremiah 29:11assures us, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This promise doesn’t mean life will be problem-free, but it does mean that God’s purposes are perfect. Even when things don’t make sense, we can trust that He is working all things together for our good.

How to Make It Practical

Pray About It: Ask God to show you what areas of your life need a reset. Be honest with Him; He can handle it.
Find Your Squad: Surround yourself with people who point you toward Jesus. Life hits different when you’ve got a community that lifts you up.
Set God-Centered Goals: Instead of just focusing on fitness or finances, think about how you can grow spiritually this year. Maybe it’s reading your Bible daily or serving others.

A Fresh Start for Everyone

Whether you’re stepping into this year with excitement or dragging last year’s baggage behind you, remember this: God specializes in fresh starts. He’s not limited by our failures or fears. His love is bigger, His grace is stronger, and His plans are better than anything we could imagine.

So, as you kick off this year, don’t just strive for change, invite God into your journey. He’s ready to write a new chapter in your story. Are you?

God Will Protect Jerusalem

1 Those who go to Egypt for help are doomed! They are relying on Egypt's vast military strength—horses, chariots, and soldiers. But they do not rely on the Lord, the holy God of Israel, or ask him for help. 2 He knows what he is doing! He sends disaster. He carries out his threats to punish evil people and those who protect them. 3 The Egyptians are not gods—they are only human. Their horses are not supernatural. When the Lord acts, the strong nation will crumble, and the weak nation it helped will fall. Both of them will be destroyed.

4 The Lord said to me, “No matter how shepherds yell and shout, they can't scare away a lion from an animal that it has killed; in the same way, there is nothing that can keep me, the Lord Almighty, from protecting Mount Zion. 5 Just as a bird hovers over its nest to protect its young, so I, the Lord Almighty, will protect Jerusalem and defend it.”

6 God said, “People of Israel, you have sinned against me and opposed me. But now, come back to me! 7 A time is coming when all of you will throw away the sinful idols you made out of silver and gold. 8 Assyria will be destroyed in war, but not by human power. The Assyrians will run from battle, and their young men will be made slaves. 9 Their emperor will run away in terror, and the officers will be so frightened that they will abandon their battle flags.” The Lord has spoken—the Lord who is worshiped in Jerusalem and whose fire burns there for sacrifices.